
From Orange Books
When
Relationships
Matter
Every kid needs to be known by someone and to belong somewhere. Most leaders agree. That’s one reason for a shift in the way many churches are discipling their children and teenagers. Think of it this way: connecting kids to a consistent leader who believes in God and believes in them is something the church can do that nothing else in culture does.
When Relationships Matter from Orange Books explores three values and nine practices that will help you rethink and improve your small group strategy, including…
- How to improve your small group structure
- How to empower your small group leaders
- How to create engaging and impactful experiences for children and teens
Best practices, training tips, and real-life stories from ministry leaders across the country—this book has what you need to create an effective small group culture in your church.
If you’re looking for practicable ideas that will help you train and equip small group leaders, as well as create a culture in which small groups win, this book is for you.
We are seeing an epidemic rise in bullying, emotional abuse, depression, self-harm, and suicide among kids and teenagers. Too many kids are feeling invisible or ignored.
Our kids need more than just deeper worship songs, deeper Bible studies, or deeper theological debates to lead them down a path of hope and meaningful faith.
They need something far more personal—an important life skill we all need to figure out.
It’s Personal, new from Orange Books, is a call for all of us to connect more deeply and individually with the children and teens in our lives—to really get personal. That means:
- Honoring their personal worth
- Respecting their personal voice
- Investing in their personal dreams
As ministry leaders, it’s imperative for us to challenge ourselves to develop authentic relationships and get closer to the frontlines, where kids are hurting.
If you want to be a transformational leader who offers hope in a world of hopelessness, then it has to be personal. This book will be your guide.

Tom Shefchunas
Tom Shefchunas is the executive director of Student Strategy at Orange. In this role, he leads the development and strategy for XP3 Middle School and High School curriculums. Previously, Tom was North Point Ministries’ multi-campus director of Transit, their middle school ministry, for 12 years. And before that, he spent 10 years as a high school teacher, coach, and principal. Additionally, he is the co-author of Lead Small with Reggie Joiner. Tom and his wife, Julie, live near Atlanta, with their three children.

Kristen Ivy
Kristen Ivy is the executive director of messaging at Orange. A former high school teacher, she received her master of divinity in 2009 and has played an integral role in the evolution of Orange’s preschool, middle school, and high school curriculum. Kristen lives near Atlanta with her husband, Matt, and their three young children.

Reggie Joiner
Reggie Joiner is the founder and CEO of Orange, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to influence those who influence the next generation. Orange provides resources and training for churches and organizations that create environments for parents, kids, and teenagers. Prior to his work with Orange, Reggie co-founded North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, with Andy Stanley. During his 11 years as the executive director of family ministry at North Point, he developed a new concept for relevant ministry for children, teenagers, and married adults. Reggie and his wife, Debbie, live near Atlanta. They have four adult children.

IT’S PERSONAL
Five questions you should ask to give every kid hope. For leaders and volunteers who work with preschoolers, children, and teenagers.

LEAD SMALL
Five key ideas that clarify the role and responsibilities of small group leaders. For small group leaders of kids and teenagers.

IT’S JUST A PHASE
Thirteen practical things your church can do to help kids, from birth through 12th grade, have a better future. For church leaders, executive staff, and anyone else who leads the next generation.

THE ART OF GROUP TALK
A three-book series on how to lead better conversations with kids and teenagers. For small group leaders of preschoolers or elementary-age kids, teenage girls, and teenage guys.

A NEW KIND OF LEADER
Seven beliefs and practical applications to help you reimagine how you influence the next generation. For teams and for onboarding new volunteers and staff.

A NEW KIND OF LEADER TRAINING
Seven training videos (10-15 minutes each, by Reggie Joiner) that explore the seven beliefs in the book A New Kind of Leader. For teams and for onboarding new volunteers and staff.
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